An evening lecture on “Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists” was held on October 7th at 7:00 pm at The LaLiT, located at Rajiv Gandhi IT Park, Chandigarh,  in collaboration with IDA Chandigarh State Branch, ICD North Zone Section VI, and Sensodyne . The event was delivered by Prof. Mandeep Dhillon (Ex HOD Orthopeadics PGIMER CHANDIGARH) from Fortis Mohali, a renowned expert in orthopedics, musculoskeletal health.and sports medicine .

The lecture was attended by approximately 60 dental professionals, including practitioners, specialists, and academicians. The attendees engaged actively throughout the session, highlighting the importance of musculoskeletal health in dentistry, where long hours and improper posture can often lead to chronic issues.ICD fellows Dr. R.P Gupta,Dr. Ashish Gupta ,Dr. Arpit Gupta ,Dr .Gurvanit Lehl, Dr. Gurvinder S Dhamija,Dr. Mukesh  Dhameja, Dr. Varun Bajaj, Dr. Gunjan Pruthi were present.

Key Highlights: Prof. Dhillon began the lecture by discussing the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dentists, which are often caused by repetitive motions, poor ergonomic setups, and prolonged periods in static positions. He emphasized the need for awareness and early intervention to prevent the onset of these conditions.

Key preventive strategies shared during the session included:

* Proper ergonomic practices in the dental clinic setup.

* Importance of regular physical exercises and stretches targeted at strengthening muscles and improving flexibility.

* Techniques to ensure proper posture during patient treatments.

Conclusion: The lecture was highly appreciated by the attendees for its practical relevance and Prof. Dhillon’s expertise in the field. The session successfully raised awareness about the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on dentists and provided actionable strategies for their prevention. The event was a successful collaboration between dental professionals and organizations focused on improving the well-being of the dental community.  Prof Ashima Goel  was awarded  with lifetime achievement award            presented to her by Dr. R.P GUPTA ( Past president  IDA CHANDIGARH) and Dr.Gurvanit Lehl (Past president IDA Chandigarh).

Dr Guatam Munjal and Dr. Avninder Kaur were also awarded. The event concluded with vote of thanks.

In collaboration with ICD North Zone Section VI, IDA Chandigarh State Branch, and Rotary Club Chandigarh Uptown, a successful dental camp was organized on 1st October 2024 at Star Public Smart School, Kajheri, Chandigarh, a school located in a rural area. The camp aimed to promote oral health awareness and provide dental check-ups for the students. A total of 263 students were screened during the camp.

Collaborators and Team

The camp was supported by key organizations, including ICD North Zone Section VI, IDA Chandigarh State Branch, and Rotary  Club Chandigarh Uptown.

The dental check-ups were conducted by a dedicated team from the Oral Health Sciences Centre (OHSC), PGIMER Chandigarh. The team headed by Dr. Richa Srivastava (Assistant Professor).Dr. Manikesh (Senior Resident), Dr. Komal Kaur (Research Officer), Sanjeev Kumar, and Suraj Kumar were part of the team.

ICD Fellows Dr. R.P. Gupta, Dr. Arpit Gupta, and Dr. Varun Bajaj were also present at the camp. Furthermore, Dr. Jaspreet Sandhu, a member of the IDA Chandigarh State Branch, contributed to the success of the camp through their active involvement.

Activities and Impact

The camp primarily focused on educating students about oral hygiene and assessing their dental health. Each student underwent a thorough oral examination, and the findings were documented to provide feedback and recommendations for further care if needed. Furthermore silver Diamine application was done in student suffering  from Early Childhood Caries.

Apart from the clinical check-ups, the students were provided with oral health education sessions that emphasized proper brushing techniques, the role of diet in dental health, and preventive measures for common dental issues like cavities and gum diseases.

Key Outcomes

●Number of students screened: 263

●Toothpaste distributed: Toothpaste was distributed among the students to encourage good oral hygiene habits.

●Educational materials distributed

The rural setting of the school highlighted the need for such initiatives to reach underserved communities. The camp was well-received by both students and school authorities, as it not only helped in the early detection of dental issues but also raised awareness of preventive oral health measures among the young population.

Conclusion

This dental camp was a significant step toward promoting oral health in a rural school. The distribution of toothpaste reinforced the camp’s message about maintaining oral hygiene. It also highlighted the importance of community collaboration in improving public health. Continued efforts and follow-up initiatives are essential to ensure the long-term impact of such programs.

Under the aegis of Hony (Brig.) Dr. Anil Kohli (Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri); Department of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram organized an Oral Health Check-up and Treatment along with specialized hearing screening camp at the Blind Relief Association, Lodhi Road, Delhi on 29^th July 2024. The event was conducted in collaboration with International College of Dentists- India Section and Mankind Pharmaceuticals. An oral health awareness session was imparted to all the visually impaired school children and vocational courses students. Braille transcribed oral hygiene instructions sheets were also distributed among the attendees of the event. The oral health status was examined of around 150 individuals and 25 patients received dental treatment in the one of its kind Mobile Dental Van. The department of Audiology from the university conducted hearing screening of 40 patients with audio logical complaints. Of which, around 40% visually impaired individuals found of active conductive pathology. All dental and hearing patients requiring complex treatment were identified and would be taken and followed up for appropriate treatment. To encourage the students to adopt healthy oral practices, an oral hygiene kit consisting of a toothpaste, tooth brush and fluoridated mouthwash was distributed. This event was an initiative bring healthy smiles and improved hearing to the lives of visually impaired individuals. The Blind Relief Association official authorities appreciated the wholesome efforts and contribution by all the members of the team to make the camp successful.